The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service will resume operations this week, following extensive repair and safety checks on the affected section of track at Asham.

 

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, September 26, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed that while the exact resumption date and schedule will be released in the coming days, all necessary measures have been taken to restore the line and rolling stock to global safety standards.

 

 

 

 

The service had been suspended after a derailment occurred on August 26, 2025. According to the corporation, since then it has worked “tirelessly to ensure both the infrastructure and rolling stock were restored to the highest safety standards.”

 

 

 

As part of its passenger welfare commitment, the NRC disclosed that refunds have already been issued to 512 of the 583 passengers onboard the affected train, with efforts underway to complete payments for the remaining passengers.

 

 

 

 

 

“The NRC appreciates the patience and understanding of our esteemed passengers and assures the general public that their safety, comfort, and satisfaction remain our top priority. We also acknowledge the invaluable support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, the media, and all stakeholders during this period of recovery,” the statement read.

 

 

 

The derailment, which occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 am, was the second incident at the same station within 13 months. Passengers described the aftermath as chaotic, with many scrambling to safety. Four passengers sustained serious injuries.

 

 

 

NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, publicly took responsibility for the accident in a subsequent interview, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later revealed that poor maintenance and a faulty track switch were central causes.

 

 

 

 

The NSIB’s preliminary findings indicated that several previously damaged sleepers had been inadequately patched rather than fully repaired. It also found that the automatic switch mechanism at the station’s crossing point was unserviceable, forcing workers to operate it manually with a point clip, which was later discovered broken, compromising track integrity and causing the derailment.

 

 

 

The report further highlighted systemic issues, including insufficient refresher training for NRC personnel, as well as the inaccessibility of essential tools and spare parts from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

 

 

 

Despite these challenges, the NRC says resumption plans are now firmly in place, with a renewed pledge to prioritize safety as operations return on the vital Abuja–Kaduna corridor.